Yukon Sports Betting: Top Sites, Laws & Legality (2024)

Sports betting is something beloved in every corner of the country, and that certainly includes Yukon. Yukon betting sites offer Canadians plenty of exciting ways to gamble, and the industry has really taken off across the territory.

Bettors in Yukon can enjoy many of the Canadian betting sites that have begun to become popular, and there are a lot of great options for wagering here. In this guide, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about betting in Yukon. We’re going to cover the legality of wagering in Yukon, where you should place bets in the territory, and more. You ready? Let’s dive into it.

At BettingTop10, our job is based around providing users with valuable information that ensures they have the most positive gambling experience possible. So how do we rank the bookmakers we discuss with our users? Below are some of the factors we consider when ranking betting sites.

• Security and Legality: We ensure the betting site is safe, reliable, and legal.
• Payouts and Banking: We check that payouts are fast and there are plenty of banking options.
• Sports Coverage and Markets: Ensuring there are many great markets and leagues covered is crucial.
• Customer Support: Reliable and friendly customer support is something all good sportsbooks offer.
• Betting Offers: The more available Yukon sports betting bonuses, the better.
• Features: Betting features add variety and fun to the user experience.
• Mobile: Sports betting apps and a great mobile website enhance the user experience.

Sports betting has blossomed the world over as new laws have come into place and the industry has expanded into uncharted territory. It can be a lot to keep up with, especially when there are so many different rules even within a single country like Canada.

Every province and territory in Canada finds themself in a different place when it comes to the sports betting industry, and Yukon is no different.’

Sports betting in Yukon has only recently begun to take off, but it has rapidly become hugely popular and enjoyed by people across the province. While Yukon may not have a large population, there are still many who love wagering here, and betting companies do operate within the territorial borders.

Yukon betting sites provide plenty of fun and excitement for gambling enthusiasts in the province. But it is important to understand how the industry operates and whether it is legal. Below, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty about the legality of wagering in Yukon.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Yukon?

Before starting with a sports betting journey, what many people want to know is, is sports betting legal in Yukon? Ultimately, this should have a major impact on whether or not you choose to proceed with your betting journey. 

It is pivotal that you focus on legal sports betting in Yukon, because if you don’t, you could find yourself getting scammed or running into other issues. So, while it may be slightly complicated, let’s look at the facts around the legality of wagering on sports in Yukon.

For many years, gambling in Yukon and across Canada has been a legal gray area. What this means is that, while it wasn’t illegal, it also wasn’t fully legal either.

The Canadian Criminal Code had a federal prohibition on single-game wagering, but there were a lot of issues that led to the government abandoning enforcing this code. Gambling companies in Canada were not allowed, except for provincially affiliated lottery-run operators, Indigenous-run sportsbooks, and offshore betting sites.

That is throwing a lot of information at you at once, so let’s break down some of the concepts from that.

First, single-game sports betting. This is what it is called when bettors are able to wager on one outcome at a time, whether that is a Moneyline bet, a player prop, or a different kind of wager. This is what the Canadian government was prohibiting. The opposite of this is a parlay, where bettors tie several different wagers into one. This is what the Canadian government allowed.

The three types of sportsbooks that were abundant in Canada were offshore betting sites, Indigenous-run operators, and provincial lottery-run websites.

Offshore betting sites are operators that are based in another jurisdiction outside of Canada. They are based in places like Malta, Curacao, and other locations where sports betting is legal. They receive their license from local authorities, and serve the Canadian market. They are not illegal, because they aren’t based in Canada. But they are tacitly endorsed by the Canadian government.

The other options are Indigenous-owned bookmakers and lottery-run websites. The Indigenous-run sportsbooks are run on tribal land, which have different laws than Canada. Some allow for sports betting companies to be licensed there, which has led to several bookmakers being licensed and serving the online Canadian gambling industry from tribal territory.

The last option is lottery-run sportsbooks. These are owned by local lottery corporations, which are part of the government. Typically, they had parlay-only wagering and much worse odds than what you’d find on most Indigenous or offshore betting sites.

Everything changed in Yukon and the rest of the country when Bill C-218 passed in 2021. This bill removed the federal prohibition on single-game sports betting. It opened the door to the gambling industry not being a legal gray area, but instead, a fully regulated, established part of Canadian culture.

This is something that would have to be a long-term, gradual change, and we are still only a few years removed. But we are already witnessing changes in Yukon and other parts of the country.

Yukon sports betting has taken off since 2021. In November 2021, Yukon’s Sport Select platform unveiled their new single-game betting platform. This allowed residents of the province to place wagers on one event at a time. While it is run by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation, Yukon residents can use it.

Outside of Yukon, the changes have been even more substantial. This is the case especially in Ontario, where the sports betting industry has taken off. Ontario has let in websites like BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings into the country. These traditionally American operators can now operate in provinces that allow them, and be overseen by local authorities, thanks to the changes from Bill C-218.

Ontario is obviously a much bigger market than Yukon, and they’ve been much faster to jump on the changes from the new law. Yukon residents can’t use these new operators, as they currently only serve the Ontario market. But Yukon can still lean into these changes later on if they want to.

As it stands, Yukon residents can still wager on single events. This is an exciting, major change that will certainly provide a lot of sports betting fun for residents of the territory. The answer to the question surrounding legality in Yukon is a yes, as betting is now legal across the territory.

Who Can Bet on Sports in Yukon?

Just because gambling has become legal in Yukon and other Canadian jurisdictions, doesn’t mean anyone can do it. Sports betting is still a hugely regulated industry, and it isn’t as easy as simply signing up and getting started. There are rules in place that restrict who can sports bet in the territory and where.

So, let’s look at some of the things you need to do to be able to wager on Yukon betting sites.

• Age: Yukon is one of the Canadian provinces where you have to be 19 or over to start sports betting. If you are under the age of 19, you won’t be able to sign up.
• Location: If you want to register for Sport Select, the operator that serves the Yukon market, you’ll have to actually have a fixed address in the territory. You can’t just sign up if you are popping in for a vacation.
• Retail Bookmakers: There are no retail bookmakers permitted in Yukon. If you want to place sports bets, you can do so at any of the locations run by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation.
• Remote Registration: You don’t have to be in-person to sign up for a Yukon sports betting site. You can simply register from your computer as long as you have a fixed Canadian address.
• Mobile: Mobile betting in Yukon is a popular pastime. You can download a betting app or wager on a sportsbook’s website in the province. 

Offshore Sportsbooks in Yukon?

Even as the gambling laws have changed in Yukon, offshore sportsbooks remain. As we’ve mentioned, offshore sportsbooks are a popular form of sports betting in Canada. Even with the new betting laws, they remain popular. You can still wager with offshore betting sites; they remain a gray market option for gamblers in Yukon.

We’ve given you the rundown about the legality of sports betting in Yukon. As you now know, it is legal. With that covered, you should be feeling ready to lock into your sports betting journey. To do that, you’ll need to create an account.

Going through the account creation process in Yukon is a relatively straightforward process. Below, we’ll break down the steps you need to take.

1. Step One: Pick Your Sportsbook. There are plenty of operators available for Yukon bettors. Pick one that has the features and aspects that you are looking for. We recommend plenty of great operators that bettors can use. Find one that checks your individual boxes.
2. Step Two: Register. The registration process should be easy, efficient, and fast. Make sure you are using a safe and legal sportsbook before you sign up, as this will have a big bearing on your experience. You’ll need to input personal details like your name, Yukon address, contact information, and more. If you are using a reliable operator, don’t worry about your information being stolen, as you can trust legal betting sites.
3. Step Three: Deposit. We’ll touch more on this aspect of getting started below.
4. Step Four: Start Betting. Once the money hits your account, you can start wagering. To do this, find the sport and league you love, click the odds you want to wager on, and input how much money you want to spend. You are now good to go!

Banking Options

The banking process is something that all bettors will have to deal with if they want to use Yukon betting sites. Having money in your account to wager with is a crucial part of betting, so you will need to deposit into your account. Hopefully, you’ll win some money, so you will also be able to withdraw.

The deposit process is the first step. This is how you put money into your account. You’ll need to input your personal banking information for whatever transaction method you choose. Double-check that the operator you are depositing in is licensed and has a good reputation so you don’t fall victim to any scams.

There are many different deposit methods the typical sportsbook supports. Some of the most popular ones include:

• Interac
• Visa/MasterCard
• E-Wallets
• Apple Pay
• Cryptocurrency

To deposit, you’ll need to choose a method, input your payment details, and click deposit. Make sure you are not depositing above your gambling means. The money normally hits your account within minutes.

Withdrawing is a markedly similar experience. The one difference you’ll likely notice first is that it is a longer process. Some sportsbooks require you to verify your identiy when withdrawing through a government ID. This adds days to the process. Either way, it normall takes a matter of several days.

The withdrawal methods are typically similar to deposit options. One standard withdrawing option is a bank transfer, which normally takes a while. 

The process of depositing and withdrawing may cause anxiety for some, but it is simply part of the standard sports betting experience. If you are using a trusted Yukon operator, it should be a smooth, secure experience.

Popular Sports to Bet on in Yukon

Yukon does not have any major professional sports teams, as it is not a major media market. However, that doesn’t mean fans in the territory are not devoted. There are several sports that stand out as popular choices for Yukon sports betting, with a significant fanbase found around the territory.

While everyone like to wager on different events, let’s look at some of the most popular sports you’ll find for Yukon gambling.

• Baseball: Baseball betting is a significant appeal for many gamblers in Yukon. With the Blue Jays present in Canada, many support the national team.
• Basketball: The NBA and basketball has global appeal, and that includes Yukon. NBA betting is a common option for gamblers here.
• Football: Football is one of Canada’s most watched sports, and that remains the case in Yukon. NFL betting is massive here.
• Hockey: Hockey is the most popular sport around the country, and Yukon embraces NHL betting like many other markets around the nation.
• Soccer: Soccer is the world’s most watched and bet on sport. Soccer betting is certainly something many Yukon residents enjoy.
• Combat Sports: Combat sports have grown in popularity every year, and many Yukon residents enjoy watching and wagering on boxing and MMA.

Most Popular Markets

While the sports people bet on are different across Yukon, there are certain markets that are incredibly popular around the territory. Betting markets are the different outcomes withing leagues or games that bettors wager on to either happen or not happen.

There are many different markets for every sport and league, and listing them all would take a lifetime. However, for Yukon sports betting, there are certain ones that are more popular than others. Let’s look at the most popular markets for Yukon gamblers to know.

• Moneyline: Moneyline is a wager on the direct outcome of a game. If you bet a team on the Moneyline, you’ve picked them to win.
• Point Spread: The Point Spread is a line that represents the projected score differential in favor of a team. Bettors can bet for the spread, meaning the favored team exceeds the differential, or against it, meaning they don’t.
• Over/Under: The Over/Under is a line that represents the projected total amount of points, goals, or runs scored in a game between both teams combined. Bettors can bet the over, meaning more will be scored, or the under, meaning less.
• Futures: Futures are long-term bets on a league. These are outcomes that aren’t settle immediately. They can be something like who will win the championship or which player will win the MVP.
• Game Props: Game Props are wagers on team-based outcomes within a game. These can be things like which team will hit a three-pointer first, how many penalties teams will combine for, or who will be winning after the third quarter.
• Player Props: Player Props are like game props, but for players rather than teams. So it can be wagers on outcomes like whether or not a player will score a goal, which player will get the first basket, and so on.
• Live Betting: Live betting is wagering on games as they are played, after they’ve begun. Sportsbooks have algorithms that update the odds according to what is happening live.

Other Bets

While most people that are wagering in Yukon will prefer to bet on sports, these are not the only things you can bet on with the typical sportsbook. There are other things gamblers can wager on, as well.

Let’s look at some of the other popular forms of betting you can find on most Canadian betting sites.

• Politics: Gamblers can wager on political outcomes, like who will win the next presidential election in the U.S. or federal elections in Canada.
• Esports: Esports are becoming hugely popular, and bettors can wager on professional video game tournaments featuring the best gamers in the world.
• Virtual Sports: Virtual sports are entirely simulated, computer-generated sports that gamblers can bet on.
• Entertainment Industry: Bettors can also wager on different entertainment industry outcomes, like who will win a reality show and which movie will win best picture.

As we’ve said, Yukon lacks any professional sports teams of their own. However, fans in the province still cheer for several different teams. Let’s look at some of the most popular sports teams in Yukon.

• Vancouver Canucks: Yukon is just North of British Columbia, and that means they have relative proximity to the Canucks, Vancouver’s beloved NHL team.
• Seattle Seahawks: The Seattle Seahawks are the closest NFL team in geography to Yukon, and there are many who cheer on this competitive squad.
• Toronto Raptors: Canada’s only professional NBA team plays across the country in Toronto, but Yukon residents still love the country’s basketball representative.
• Toronto Blue Jays: The Toronto Blue Jays are similarly the only professional baseball team in the country. They have a major following in Yukon.

While sports betting and wagering on different outcomes on sportsbooks is hugely popular, it is not the only way you can gamble. Bettors can also bet in several other ways.

Most Canadian sportsbooks are large and multifaceted, offering several distinct ways for gamblers to place bets. Let’s look at some of the other forms of gambling you’ll find online.

• Live Casino: A live casino is a form of betting that many enjoy. How it works is that bettors play games like casino or blackjack, but not against a computer. Instead, they are matched up against fellow bettors. There is a live dealer who is hosting the game. It provides a realistic virtual betting experience.
• Slots: Slots are popular the world over. This straightforward form of gambling is a staple of the online betting experience. Bettors can play themed slot games and gamble and win real money on many of the most popular Canadian sportsbooks.
• Table Games: Table games like poker, blackjack, and baccarat don’t have to played against other gamblers. Bettors can play virtual, simulated games that have guaranteed fairness, meaning they are entirely computer generated to be realistic.

We’ve explained the legality around sports betting in Yukon, but if you want a safe, positive experience, there are steps you need to take. Unfortunately, gambling isn’t always all fun and games. For some people, it can be a serious, lifechanging addiction. Ensuring you are safe and smart with your betting will mean you don’t start engaging in problem behavior.

There are a few primary steps to take to be a responsible sports bettor. The first is to only use trustworthy websites. These are designed to protect your information and payment details, drastically reducing the risk of fraud and deception.

The other step that is important is to practice payroll management. Don’t bet above your means, and never chase your losses. If things aren’t going your way, gambling your way out of the hole is not the answer. Gambling is inherently risky, be aware of the risk you are taking.

If you ever run into any issues and find yourself slipping into problem betting behavior, call 1-866-456-3838. This is a mental health hotline that is private and free, and it can help you through this difficult issue.

Sportsbook to Avoid

Just as important as understanding which sportsbooks to use is knowing which operators to avoid. While we won’t name any operators to stay away from, there are specific kinds of betting sites you should avoid.

Avoid sportsbooks that don’t display their license and have bad reviews online. This ensures you will not fall victim to operators that are potentially scamming their users.

Yukon is far from the only territory or province with a booming gambling industry. Below are guides to some of the different provinces and territories where the sports betting industries have taken off.

Before you start wagering with a betting site, it is important that you establish whether they have a license. This is something bettors don’t want to overlook, because the difference between a licensed and unlicensed operator is massive.

Licensed sportsbooks have to go through a rigorous process to get a license. Whether they are licensed in Canada or beyond, the process should be relatively similar.

Sportsbooks open themselves up to regulators when they are being licensed. The licensing authority is typically connected to a government, whether it is a provincial government, or an authority outside of Canada. These regulators look over operators, ensure their system is safe and secure, and check to make sure that all their games are fair.

This makes a world of difference. Having someone to look over a website and verify that it is not dangerous or illegitimate is a must. Unlicensed operators do not have this. That means there is not the same sense of security that gamblers have when using these betting sites.

If a sportsbook is unlicensed, we would recommend you not to use it.

Sport Select

Sport Select is the provincial operators for the Yukon area. It is licensed by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation, and it serves most of Canada’s northern territories.

This sportsbook is government-run, so you can rely on its safety and security. However, one thing to not is that the odds are worse on this betting site than on the typical Canadian sportsbook.

We know we’ve thrown a lot of information at you over the course of this article, and it can all be pretty confusing. However, we are here to help, and want to ensure you know as much as possible about the Yukon sports gambling scene.

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about betting on sports in Yukon.